Secret Relationship (103)

The morning sun cast a golden glow over the town as Haruto and Aiko walked toward school together, their steps in sync, their shoulders occasionally brushing against each other. The world around them bustled with the usual sounds of a new school day—bicycles rolling past, students chatting excitedly, the distant ringing of a bell from a nearby store. But for Haruto and Aiko, everything felt different now.

It had been only a few days since their first date, since that quiet, nervous walk home where they had held hands for the first time. And yet, the change in their relationship felt both new and familiar, as if they had always been meant to reach this point.

Aiko glanced up at Haruto, her heart fluttering. He looked calm, but she could tell his mind was racing. She had known him long enough to recognize when he was overthinking something.

"What's on your mind?" she asked, nudging him lightly.

Haruto hesitated, shoving his hands into his pockets. "I was just thinking… about school."

Aiko raised an eyebrow. "School?"

He sighed. "More like… what happens when we get there."

Aiko instantly understood. Ever since they had become a couple, a question had lingered in the back of their minds: should they tell their classmates?

The moment the thought surfaced, she could already imagine the reactions. Mei, her best friend, would probably scream and bombard her with questions. The other students would gossip, some excitedly, others with envy or curiosity. And then there was Sora…

Aiko's stomach twisted slightly at the thought. Though Sora had never openly confessed to Haruto, it was clear she liked him. And while Haruto had never returned those feelings, Aiko wasn't looking forward to the inevitable tension.

"I get it," she said, exhaling. "If we tell people, things might change."

Haruto nodded. "Yeah. I mean, I don't mind them knowing eventually, but… I just want to enjoy this for a while without everyone making a big deal out of it."

Aiko thought for a moment before smiling. "Then let's keep it a secret. Just for now."

Haruto blinked, surprised. "You're okay with that?"

She giggled. "Of course. It might even be fun. Like a secret mission."

Haruto smirked. "A mission, huh? Are we spies now?"

Aiko playfully bumped his arm. "Shh, Agent Haruto, you're being too loud."

They both laughed, the tension easing. For now, their love would remain a secret between them.

As they entered the school gates, they instinctively took a step apart, returning to their usual routine. Their classmates greeted them as always, none the wiser to the change in their relationship.

Mei rushed up to Aiko, linking arms with her. "You're late! I have so much to tell you."

Aiko laughed. "We're not late, Mei. The bell hasn't even rung yet."

Mei ignored her, already launching into a story about a drama she had watched the night before. As Aiko listened, she glanced at Haruto, who was talking to a few of his friends near the shoe lockers. He caught her gaze for just a second before quickly looking away, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Aiko's heart skipped. This was going to be harder than she thought.

The day passed with stolen glances, hidden smiles, and secret moments that made their little game even more thrilling.

During lunch, Aiko sat with Mei and a few other girls, while Haruto sat with his usual group. Normally, she would join his table occasionally, but today, she decided to keep her distance to avoid suspicion.

Still, she found herself sneaking peeks at him across the cafeteria.

At one point, Haruto stretched, casually glancing in her direction. Their eyes met for the briefest moment. It was so quick, so subtle, yet it sent a thrill through her.

Mei caught the look and narrowed her eyes. "What was that?"

Aiko nearly choked on her food. "What was what?"

Mei smirked. "That little eye exchange. What's going on?"

Aiko forced a casual laugh. "You're imagining things."

Mei leaned in, scrutinizing her. "Are you hiding something from me, Aiko Hoshino?"

Aiko waved her off. "Of course not."

But her heart pounded in her chest. If Mei, the most observant person she knew, was already suspicious, how long could they really keep this up?

After school, Aiko and Haruto usually walked home together. But today, they left separately, only meeting a few blocks away from school where no one could see them.

As soon as they were out of sight, Aiko sighed dramatically. "This is exhausting."

Haruto chuckled. "Already giving up on our secret mission?"

Aiko pouted. "No, but Mei is too sharp. She's onto me."

Haruto smirked. "Guess I should be extra careful around her then."

They continued walking in comfortable silence. Without the eyes of their classmates, Haruto reached for her hand, interlocking their fingers. Aiko squeezed his hand, relishing the simple intimacy they had been deprived of all day.

"I like this," she admitted softly.

Haruto turned to her. "What?"

"Just… us. Walking like this. Holding hands. Without anyone watching."

Haruto's expression softened. "Me too."

They walked a little slower, savoring the quiet moments they could steal. The golden glow of the setting sun bathed them in warmth, and for now, nothing else mattered.

But keeping a secret wasn't easy.

The next day, as Haruto walked into the classroom, Sora approached him with a bright smile. "Good morning, Haruto!"

"Morning," he replied, keeping his voice neutral.

Sora leaned against his desk. "So, I was thinking—do you want to walk home together today? There's this new ice cream shop nearby, and I thought it'd be fun."

Haruto hesitated. He knew Sora liked spending time with him, but now, things were different. And Aiko…

Before he could respond, Aiko walked in. She met his eyes for a fleeting second before quickly looking away.

Haruto sighed. "Sorry, Sora. I already have plans."

Sora pouted. "Oh, really? With who?"

Haruto hesitated again, but before he could come up with a reasonable excuse, Mei suddenly walked up behind Sora, placing a hand on her shoulder.

"Hey, Sora, don't hog Haruto all to yourself," Mei teased. "Besides, I bet he's already meeting someone."

Mei's gaze flickered to Aiko for a brief second.

Aiko's breath caught. Did she… know?

Sora raised an eyebrow. "Meeting who?"

Haruto forced a casual smile. "Just… a friend."

Sora sighed dramatically. "Fine, but next time, you owe me ice cream."

As she walked away, Mei crossed her arms and smirked. "A friend, huh?"

Haruto felt a bead of sweat form on his temple. "Uh…"

Mei grinned knowingly. "You two are so obvious."

Aiko stiffened. "We—"

"Relax," Mei whispered, winking. "Your secret is safe with me."

Haruto and Aiko exchanged a glance before sighing in unison. Keeping a secret relationship was harder than they thought.

But for now, they would hold onto their quiet moments, their secret smiles, and their hidden love—just a little while longer.